Defense Looks to Anchors West Islip Varsity Football Team

Record last year: 4-5

Head coach: Steve Mileti (2nd year)

Key players: QB Anthony Santo, RB/SS Michael Sagl, G/DT Rob Fregosi, KR/CB Drew Federico

Key games: East Islip (10/30,) At North Babylon (9/11), At Half Hollow Hills West (10/16)

Ending the season with an overtime playoff loss is heartbreaking.  But losing to a long-time archrival?  That could be devastating.

Yet, the West Islip Lions aren't thinking about that 17-10 quarterfinal loss to East Islip anymore. This year brings high hope and new aspirations for a team trying to generate another playoff birth.  But before the team achieves success, they need to be prepared.

"From a coaches standpoint, we're not where we want to be yet," head coach Steve Mileti admitted. "But we still have the rest of this week and the way the kids have been working throughout the season with double sessions, we'll be ready to play."

The Lions, ranked preseason No. 7 in Division II,  have a lot to be excited about this season. For one, junior quarterback Anthony Santo returns to the team after a year of gaining valuable playting time and experience. 

"Anthony Santo at quarterback has done a nice job," Mileti said.  "If he has a big season, we'll be tough to defend."

Senior running back and lacrosse standout Mike Sagl will assist Santo in the Lions backfield.  The two-year starter will also anchor a stout defense as starting strong safety.  "He [Sagl] has a great head for the game and we expect great things from him," the coach said.

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Mileti also pointed out other standout defensive players, including two talented juniors; linebackers Mike Aniboli and Pat Ryan.  "If they do what they're supposed to do, we'll be fine on the defensive side," Mileti said.

One area of concern for West Islip's football coach as the season starts is the health of Drew Federico, who is sidelined with mono. "He's our shutdown corner as well as one of our captains. He's probably one of the best corners we've coached in a long, long time so we're waiting for him to come back."

West Islip opens the season against top-seeded North Babylon Bulldogs on Saturday, September 11.  While the game could prove to be a difficult test for the Lions, Mileti is focused on getting his players to live week by week, regardless of which team they are playing.  

"This season, our goal is to take it one game at a time," he said.  "Show up on Saturday, win that game then worry about the next week. Obviously we want to be league champs, county champs and make it to LIC just like any other team, but we have to take it one game at a time."